BBC Radio 2 today announces a transformation of the morning schedule to take effect from Monday 11 January 2010.

Sarah Kennedy's show will start an hour earlier from 5.00-7.00am, giving her 4.5million Dawn Patrollers an extra 30-minute dose of a lively blend of chat and music.

Sarah comments: "The Dawn Patrol will be open for business as usual in 2010 – dressing gowns are us! I hope someone gives Chris an alarm clock for Christmas!"

Chris Evans follows in the epic footsteps of Sir Terry Wogan by hosting The Chris Evans Breakfast Show between 7.00-9.30am. Chris will be joined by sports reporter Johnny Saunders who moves from the Drivetime show and travel reporter Lynn Bowles, who remains on the early shift.

Earlier in the morning schedule, Janice Long will kick off each new weekday from 12midnight-2.00am, combining an eclectic mix of both new and classic tracks, as well as live performances.

Radio 2's Dark Lord Alex Lester will continue to raid his vast record collection and his Listeners' Library between 2.00-5.00am, by moving an hour earlier.

Bob Shennan, Controller, Radio 2 and 6 Music, comments: "The Radio 2 morning schedule is crucial to the network's success and I'm delighted that Sarah, who has been a lynchpin of the morning schedule for many years, will continue to entertain her listeners every weekday."

The early weekday morning schedule will be as follows:

12midnight-2.00am – Janice Long

2.00-5.00am – Alex Lester

5.00-7.00am – Sarah Kennedy

7.00-9.30am – Chris Evans

The schedule changes follow Sir Terry Wogan's departure from Wake Up To Wogan and the launch of his new Sunday show.

From Sunday 14 February 2010, Terry will broadcast live from the 350-seat Radio Theatre in BBC Broadcasting House, London, where he will host a two-hour show featuring live musical performances and guests between 11.00am to 1.00pm.